Braves' Sean Murphy Sidelined, Top Prospect Drake Baldwin Poised to Step Up

All-Star catcher Sean Murphy is out 4-6 weeks with a rib injury, giving rookie Drake Baldwin a chance to start the season behind the plate.

Sean Murphy, a 2023 All-Star and 2021 Gold Glove winner, suffered a cracked rib during a spring training game and will miss 4-6 weeks.
Drake Baldwin, the Braves' top prospect and a left-handed hitting catcher, is a strong candidate to replace Murphy for Opening Day on March 27.
At just 23 years old, Baldwin impressed in Triple-A last season with a .298 average, 12 home runs, and strong defensive skills, earning praise from coaches and teammates.
The Braves' decision to let veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud leave in the offseason cleared the way for Murphy to be the primary catcher, but now Baldwin may take on the role temporarily.
Manager Brian Snitker and GM Alex Anthopoulos highlighted Baldwin's potential but acknowledged the challenges of transitioning a young catcher to the major leagues.